Mexes denies any interest from Chelsea

Mexes' agent has denied any interest from Chelsea (GETTY IMAGES)

AS Roma defender Philippe Mexes is not poised to join Chelsea, according to his agent.

The 27-year-old France international was reported to be a transfer target of Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti.

But despite rumours linking the Stamford Bridge club with a 15million euro approach for Mexes, the former Auxerre defender will not be heading to Stamford Bridge.

Mexes was reported to be a ready-made replacement for Ricardo Carvalho should Chelsea decide to offload the unsettled Portugal international before the transfer window closes.

"Chelsea? Personally at least I do not think there is any truth to it," said agent Olivier Joanneaux.

"Is there any news in general regarding my client? Not as far as I know, or rather Roma want to keep the player who, in turn, is fully focused on the new season that is about to start."

Elsewhere in Italy, Ronaldinho has warned city rivals Internazionale that AC Milan intend to 'rise above them' this season.

The Brazil playmaker endured a mixed first season in Serie A last term as the Rossoneri failed to mount a serious challenge to an all-conquering Inter side which won the Scudetto for a fourth consecutive time.

But ahead of the start of the new campaign, a refocused Ronaldinho has set Milan some lofty targets.

He declared: "The comparisons with Inter are an extra stimulus and a big incentive.

"They have won plenty and are one of the strongest teams in the world, but we want to rise above them.

"I want the Scudetto and Champions League.

"I know that winning just one of those trophies will be difficult, but I am ready to aim for both."

Meanwhile, Inter midfielder Esteban Cambiasso has undergone successful knee surgery but is likely to miss a significant period of the new Serie A season.

The Argentina international went under the knife on Monday after damaging knee ligaments during friendly match against Juventus on Friday, with reports suggesting he could be out of action for three months.

"The surgery to Esteban Cambiasso's meniscus of the right knee has finished," read a club statement.

"It was perfectly successful and was carried out by professor Franco Benazzo in collaboration with Inter medical professor Franco Combi.

"The midfielder is well and he will begin rehabilitation after a few days of rest."

Elsewhere, Zenit St Petersburg have rubbished reports which claimed they had tabled a bid for Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu.

The Florence club had remained silent on the stories liking last season's 13-goal Serie A marksman with a move to Russia.

Mutu has continually stated his desire to remain at the Artemio Franchi during a summer of transfer speculation.

"We officially deny any negotiations regarding Romanian striker Adrian Mutu of Fiorentina," read a club statement from Zenit.

"Zenit are not interested and there has been no contact on a possible transfer to Russia."